RADIATION BURNS
As promised in last week’s PET CARE column, we will today conclude with Dr. Nandan’s contribution to radiation burns, which indeed complements our own experiences on the subject.
At the onset, it is important to explain that the skin contains a pigment called MELANIN, which gives rise to the variations of darker-coloured skin. This chemical protects darker-skinned animals from the sun’s ultraviolet rays in particular. Melanin has a large system of freely moving particles (electrons) that ensure the absorption of ultraviolet light and release the excess energy as heat, thereby protecting the skin.
In terms of treatment, it is advised that a cold towel be used; it should ideally be just below room temperature (except if the ambient temperature is too hot, or, as in Guyana’s case, using water from a black tank during the sunlight hours). Using a cold towel would affect the flow of blood to the traumatized area, and this would help the wound to heal.
For acute (sudden onset) radiation burns, the caregiver could immediately acquire and administer zinc oxide ointment/cream on the affected skin. Zinc oxide is preferred over aloe/cocoa butter lotions, because zinc oxide offers a cooling property as well as antimicrobial coverage.
Please note that apart from lack of Melanin in the skin, animals are at risk of radiation burn if their coats are thinner. Dogs which have been groomed in such a way (often requested by the owner) that the animal is practically bald would present such a condition, which exposes the skin to the full effect of the sun’s rays. It goes without saying that the “Mexican Hairless breed” (also known as the Xoloitzcuintli and the Tepeizeuintli) really should not be brought to live in any area where the temperature soars as the sunshine beats down on the earth, and where the humidity reaches extremely high levels.
As I mentioned earlier this month (Pet Care, September 1, 2024), I have come to realize that animals coming into vet clinics with severe solar radiation burns are usually victims of caregivers’ negligence. The owner might tie the dog in the shade initially, but when the sun “turns”, poor “Rover” is totally exposed to the solar rays. The unfortunate consequence is that the dog might succumb to a heat stroke.
As an aside, I mention a solar radiation burn that affects the nose bridge of the Collie breed, and is thusly called Collie Nose.
We will discuss these two specific conditions next week.
